Following the powerful earthquakes that recently struck eastern Afghanistan, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is scaling up life-saving support. IOM is urgently appealing for USD 16.8 million , in line with the joint humanitarian appeal, to assist 134,000 affected people, many of them displaced, as Afghanistan grapples with multiple crises compounded by the recent earthquakes.
Immediate needs include shelter and winter supplies such as tents, blankets, heating, and other essential relief items. Emergency healthcare, mental health and psychosocial support, and access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene services remain critical. Women, girls, and children face heightened protection risks due to unsafe conditions, lack of privacy, and limited access to basic services.
"Families have lost everything and are now sleeping in the open, without proper shelter, food, or clean water," said IOM Deputy Director General Ugochi Daniels. "With winter fast approaching, their situation will only worsen without urgent support. Afghanistan is already facing multiple crises, including the return of more than 1.7 million Afghans from Iran and Pakistan in 2025, large-scale internal displacement, and ongoing economic hardship. Without immediate funding, the humanitarian response will be unable to meet the scale of needs, leaving millions at even greater risk."
The 6.0-magnitude earthquake on 31 August caused widespread damage. A second strong quake, measuring 6.2, struck on 4 September, worsening the destruction and triggering rockfalls that blocked key access roads. According to a multi-sectoral assessment conducted by IOM and inter-agency partners, more than 2,100 people lost their lives, 3,600 were injured, more than 7,000 homes were destroyed, and nearly 500,000 people had been affected as of 9 September. Kunar, Nangarhar, and parts of Laghman provinces were hit the hardest.
As part of the assessment, IOM and partners have so far reached more than 80 villages across 10 affected districts, identifying vulnerable people and urgent needs. Despite blocked roads and damaged infrastructure, IOM has already delivered emergency assistance to nearly 2,000 families in Nangarhar and Kunar, with convoys en route to reach nearly 3,000 more. Mobile health teams and Community-Based Vaccination Centre teams have treated more than 1,200 people, including 96 trauma cases. Patients in need of advanced care have been referred to hospitals, and mental health and psychosocial support has been provided to nearly 120 individuals.
According to IOM data, the affected provinces host an estimated 3.7 million people, including nearly 800,000 internally displaced persons and returning Afghan migrants, many already living in extremely vulnerable conditions. As winter sets in, sustaining assistance will be critical to ensure families are not left without shelter, healthcare, and protection. IOM calls on donors to step up urgently so the response can meet immediate needs and support communities through the difficult months ahead.
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